News to use

Here are some of the more interesting deals, websites and other travel tidbits that came across our desk recently:

July 30 is the deadline to register to compete in the Epson World Shootout Underwater Photo Grand Prix. Both pro and amateur photographers are eligible. worldshootout.org

The Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival, a celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride that draws more than 650,000 spectators, will be held July 31. 604-687-0955; vancouverpride.ca/vancouver-pride-parade

The 39th annual Crested Butte Arts Festival will be Aug. 6-7 in the Colorado town noted for its mountain biking and hiking. 970-349-1184; crestedbutteartsfestival.com

The Shambhala Music Festival, billed as Canada's premier electronic music festival and drawing nearly 12,000 people, will be held Aug. 5-8 near Salmo, British Columbia. shambhalamusicfestival.com

The nine-day Costa Rica Pura Vida package from Friendly Planet Travel starts at $1,249 per person, double occupancy, for September departures and includes round-trip air from Miami, eight nights' lodging, some meals and visits to, among other places, Tortuguero National Park and Arenal Volcano. When you use coupon code 070711 you get an additional $25 off if you book by July 21. Air add-on from Chicago is $200 per person. 800-555-5765; tinyurl.com/44jjwpa

The all-inclusive Breezes Resorts & Spas has airfare credits of up to $630 per room on vacations booked by Aug. 3 for travel until Dec. 23. 877-273-3937; tinyurl.com/5v28cad

Yuupon.com is offering a 10 percent discount on top of the deals it offers on seaside vacations. Enter promo code LIFESABEACH at checkout before July 19. yuupon.com/beach-vacation-deals